Dinner for Two at Rice University's Farmer's Market

Let's say it's a Tuesday evening and you've got a hot date, but your wallet has nothing but a maxed out credit card and a shabby $20 bill. You could go to McDonald's or maybe even Taco Cabana if you're feeling really fancy, but we suggest heading down to the Tuesday-night Farmer's Market on University Blvd. (Entrance 9) at Rice University. Here's why:

You get instant cool points for taking a date to the Farmer's Market. It shows that you are hip and in the loop and edgy, but yet you still care about eating locally and organically.

There are lots of puppies. Couples can enjoy bonding over the insane amount of cuteness bounding about on four legs. Maybe your date will even start thinking about how much she would love to get a puppy. With you.

The Farmer's Market is not just food but an activity. You get to walk around and peruse various vendors. You can spend this time meeting new and interesting people or even just bonding over common likes and dislikes like organic cleaning products or dandelion greens.

Samples. Samples make people happy, just like puppies. Plus it's like getting your appetizer for free, which is always worthwhile.

You can a get a full meal for $20. This Tuesday we decided to visit Nisha's Quick N Ezee Indian Food table to score some deliciously fresh Indian fare. We went for the vegetable curry, chana masala (chickpeas) and pumpkin paratha with cilantro peanut chutney. At only $5 apiece, we had four great dishes to share between the two of us, which was plenty. The girls running the booth were generous enough to let us sample all the delicacies they had available, and we had a fantastic time debating which to purchase. Other tables offered up scrumptious quiches and cakes, lasagnas, and more readymade options.

Now here comes the best part. The Indian food is all sold cold (kept on ice to maintain freshness), so this means you'll have to go back to your place to heat and eat. This is the perfect opportunity to open a bottle of wine, turn on the skillet, and have some fun while you lazily await your dinner. Plus most of the food at the Farmer's Market is light enough that you won't get that gross fat feeling afterward, which is always important when you're on a date.